'Drag Race UK' star Bimini Bon Boulash urges JK Rowling to be 'accepting and loving'
Drag performer Bimini Bon Boulash has urged JK Rowling to "be accepting and loving of people" when it comes to her views on the transgender community.
Rowling has been outspoken in her concerns about various issues around transgender people, writing a 5,000-word piece on her official website in which she explained her perspective.
That piece included Rowling's worries about "the huge explosion in young women wishing to transition" and giving trans women access to spaces such as female changing rooms.
Read more: Robbie Coltrane defends JK Rowling amid trans row
Bimini, who identifies as non-binary, told Metro that the Harry Potter creator needs to "show a bit more love" when it comes to her viewpoint on trans people.
"I think we just need to be accepting and loving of people. Everyone has different experiences," said the 28-year-old star.
Watch: Bimini Bon Boulash receives Bafta Virgin Media Must-See Moment nomination
They added: "Everyone has a different view of life and perspectives, and what we need to do is accept others that have a different perspective, even if it’s radically different to our own, instead of criticising and ostracising them.
"Because right now, trans people are being targeted. It’s hard enough for them going through what they do. So [Rowling] just needs to show a bit more love."
Read more: Bimini Bon Boulash praises "beautiful" mural in their hometown
Bimini received widespread praise during their appearance on RuPaul's Drag Race UK in 2020, in which they frankly discussed non-binary identities with fellow contestant Ginny Lemon.
They were recently nominated for a Bafta for "Virgin Media Must-See Moment" in recognition of their rap verse on the viral hit song UK Hun.
Bimini said: "To be nominated for a Bafta about a verse that celebrates gender feels quite wild, especially when so much conversation around it can be so negative.
"I hope that being a visibly queer person being nominated for a Bafta for such a prestigious event will show younger people that may be struggling with who they are that anything is possible."
Read more: Bimini gives Roman Kemp drag queen makeover
Elsewhere in the interview, Bimini expressed their belief that drag has "no rules" and that drag kings — female performers who dress as men — should be included on future Drag Race iterations.
Bimini was pipped to the post for the Drag Race UK title by Scottish comedy queen Lawrence Chaney.
Watch: Emma Watson references JK Rowling controversy at Baftas